Carbon Footprint Estimation of an Indian Thermal Power Plant Towards Achieving Sustainability Through Adoption of Green Options and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

AbstractLow carbon economy deserves special attention in connection to sustainability issues. Changeover to low carbon economy is possible with the reduction of carbon emission. This reduction mandate has nowadays become a ‘global’ goal keeping in view the catastrophe associated with the problem of climate change. This global goal can be achieved through innovations. Manifestation of low carbon goods leading to reduced emissions can be achieved with innovative products and production process. However, impact caused by industries on non-renewable natural resources and energy consumed in their production process and the resultant CO2 emissions also need to be addressed and estimated. Technologies for generating electricity irrespective of its nature leads to generation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon footprint (CF) is recognized as a method of evaluating carbon emissions in quantitative terms (expressed in tCO2e) to respond to the increasing concern about climate change. However, it is necessary to make a life cycle inventory analysis by taking into account all the activities and processes that determine the size of carbon footprint. In this given backdrop, Carbon Footprint (CF) resulting from electricity generation in a coal-based power plant in India, for the year 2016–2017, has been studied based on primary data. Estimation of carbon footprint has been done using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, been internationally accredited by ISO14044:2006 and ISO 14067:2018 and developed to understand the effects of individual products or process on environment. The cradle to grave approach of LCA has been followed so as to account for the CF resulting from the early stage of resource abstraction and its processing, production, delivery, disposal and reprocess or recycling. LCA approach method is apt for CF calculation or estimation at the micro-level. Analysis of result showed that that burning of coal occupies the lions share in the total carbon footprint of the power plant. Also based on the analysis, CF generated provided an useful means of guiding the power plant to distinguish or detect the ‘hotbeds’ of production process having an adverse bearing on the environment. The low carbon initiatives or green options adopted by the power plant to reduce negative environmental impacts have also being discussed. Also, an effort has been made in this chapter to identify the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impacted and achieved by the thermal power plant based on LCA results and adoption of green options. Finally, based on the results and low carbon options exercised by the unit, recommendations of possible green alternatives for achieving transition towards enhanced sustainability are also prescribed.KeywordsCarbon footprint (CF)Life cycle assessment (LCA)Indian thermal power plantGreen optionsSustainable development goals (SDGs)Sustainability